Preparing nursing students for enhanced roles in primary care: The current state of prelicensure and RN-to-BSN education.

BACKGROUND: With the current emphasis on including registered nurses (RNs) on the primary care teams, it is essential that nursing programs prepare students for employment in these settings.

PURPOSE: This study explored the current state of prelicensure and RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online education regarding the implementation of primary care content in the curricula.

METHODS: A sample of 1,409 schools and/or colleges from across the United States was invited to participate in an online survey. About 529 surveys were returned for an overall response rate of 37.5%. Summative content analysis was used to analyze survey data.

DISCUSSION: Although most respondents have implemented some primary care content, some found it challenging and others have demurred from incorporating primary care content altogether.

CONCLUSION: Nursing leaders and faculty in academia must collaborate with clinical partners to design and expand didactic and clinical learning experiences that emphasize primary care content in the prelicensure and RN-to-BSN education.